DE-CONDITIONING THE MIND

All eff orts to purify the mind are unproductive until and unless a deconditioning of the mind is fi rst undertaken. And the biggest thing that requires de-conditioning is the total elimination of negative thinking. Tazkiya is the Islamic name for this process of de-conditioning and purifi cation of the mind, which has to be undertaken continuously, till the end of one's life. The Process of De-conditioning De-conditioning of the mind can only be done by one process alone, and that is introspection. This is a continuous, merciless examination of our own selves in order to improve. This improvement can come in two ways. One is to accept the harsh criticism of others by acknowledging their external ‘hammering’ with an open mind. Without being off ended, one should take on board harsh criticism from others, and, after an objective analysis, carry out a complete re-assessment of oneself. Every man is born in a society and it is this society that creates the mind-set of an individual. The other method of de-conditioning can be called ‘self-hammering’. This is to look at ourselves with a critical eye, to evaluate ourselves day and night; to perceive every mistake with severity and then introspect by mercilessly ‘hammering’ ourselves without giving ourselves any concessions in any matter. Instead of accusing others, we should carry out an objective analysis of ourselves and fi nd our own faults. These are the only two possible ways of de-conditioning. Either one accepts the ‘hammering’ of others or one becomes one’s own worst critic by ‘self-hammering’. The one who likes to hear good things about himself from others and makes excuses to himself for his mistakes will always remain a conditioned person and will never be able to decondition or purify his mind. o